Tag: mobile websites

Google to make major changes to mobile SEO

The world is growing increasingly mobile-centric and Google is more aware of this fact than most others. Google has high hopes for the mobile space, and not just because of its Android mobile operating system. The company has tied itself to the emerging mobile commerce field and has also been putting significantly more focus on mobile advertising. Google is keen to ensure that mobile consumers can experience digital content in the best way possible, so it has determined that all mobile sites will have to adhere to the company’s standards if they want to be seen on the search engine.

SEO continues love-hate relationship with Google

Search engine optimization has been a somewhat controversial topic for Google. On one hand, Google is unsupportive of so called SEO techniques because they are meant to circumvent the search engine’s algorithms. In the past, Google has suggested that SEO is little more than a way for poor content to find its way on the search engine. On the other hand, however, Google has been somewhat supportive of SEO practices in the mobile space. The company even offers best practice recommendations when it comes to mobile SEO.

SEO recommendations will be mandatory in near future

The recommendations that Google offers will soon become mandatory as the company works to ensure that mobile content can become more accessible to the consumers it is designed for. This means that retailers and other businesses that have mobile sites will have to make significant changes to their websites in order to keep their spot on Google’s search engine index. New algorithms are being introduced to the search engine to ensure that mobile sites are actually able to be accessed through mobile devices. Sites that do not meet Google’s standards will not be listed in the search engine.

Google aims to create a better experience for all mobile consumers

This initiative is not directly tied to any of Google’s other ventures in the mobile space. The company has invested heavily in mobile commerce and other sectors, but has seen the problems that exist with websites and services that are not optimized for mobile use. These sites and services tend to provide consumers with a poor experience, which serves to determine whether or not they will participate in other mobile sectors, such as mobile commerce.

Though this may have been possible for the first generation of mobile efforts, times have changed.

When retailers first started to discover that mobile commerce was going to be vital to their survival, many of them responded by using their standard websites and optimizing the same content and layout so that it would be compatible with the smaller screens and navigation requirements of mobile devices.

This was a strategy that was somewhat effective for a while, but the channel has evolved since then.

The world of mcommerce is traveling at a breakneck speed, and it is continually in flux. The more brands, companies, and marketers discover about what consumers are expecting from this channel and what is effective, the faster it grows. Now, the websites that were originally optimized so that their standard formats would fit on smaller screens are being found to be inadequate within the sector.

Simply repurposing regular sites for mcommerce just isn’t enough for the mobile consumer.

An mcommerce website should not simply be a cookie cutter copy of the site designed for e-commerce. Before the mobile version is released, it is vital for companies to determine what features are truly central for driving engagement, and to make those elements the heart of the smartphone and tablet experience. For example, store locators – which are often considered to be rather secondary on standard sites – are among the most important features of a mobile commerce enabled website, and should be placed front and center in many instances.

A site meant for a smartphone needs to be stripped down to its bare minimum while still providing a rich and engaging experience. Functionality, compatibility, load time, ease of navigation, and driving consumers to act are all critical to mobile. Unlike the PC experience, it is isn’t simply a matter of placing information in front of the consumer. It needs to appeal to the individual on the go, with quick and simple mcommerce options that will be highly relevant and appeal on a personal level. Companies must never lose sight of this perspective if they wish to get the most out of what the channel has to offer.